A downtown Boise woman who spent a year without a home is now fearing another bout of homelessness after receiving a notice that her rent at the Adare Apartments will rise by $100, bringing her monthly payment to $1,142. The increase represents nearly a 10% jump from the $1,042 she began paying in January 2025.
The tenant, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of eviction, said the rent hike would consume more than half of her monthly earnings. “I don’t make very much money. When you make around $15 or $16 an hour, it’s really not that affordable,” she explained. She added that the extra $100 forces her to cut back on basic necessities, including food.
How the increase fits within state guidelines
According to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), the Adare Apartments qualify as a Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property. Under IHFA guidelines, landlords may raise rent once per 12‑month period, but the increase cannot exceed 10% unless special approval is obtained. Tenants must receive at least 30 days’ notice for increases of 0‑5% and 60 days’ notice for hikes above 5%.
Stephanie Day, executive director of CATCH—a nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness in the Treasure Valley—confirmed that the notice complies with the rules. “Make sure that people are not increasing your rent at a rate or a frequency that they’re not supposed to,” Day said.
Limited relief options for low‑income renters
While the increase follows the legal framework, it does little to ease the financial strain on tenants. Day noted that the city’s safety net is stretched thin. “We’re in a space where we’re genuinely having a crisis. The last resort is maybe calling local churches to see if anyone can help,” she said.
The tenant expressed that another increase could force her to leave the complex altogether. “If my rent’s raised again, I think with another job I might be able to afford it, but if it’s raised again one more time after that, I would probably have to move out of these apartments,” she warned.
Resources for Boise renters
Boise residents facing similar challenges can turn to several local resources, including the City of Boise’s tenant‑rights guide, Idaho Legal Aid, Idaho Health and Welfare housing assistance, and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s tenant guide. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also provides information on fair housing and rent‑increase protections.
As affordable‑housing providers continue to navigate funding constraints and rising operating costs, advocates stress the importance of community support and proactive policy measures to keep housing within reach for low‑income families.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
